Multilayered hemp face mask for humans and animals

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to universal face masks and more particularly to face masks made from hemp fibre. It further relates to face masks having multiple layers of fibres for filtration of the air pollutants and which can be made for use by the humans as well as designed to be worn by animals especially dogs and horses. The hemp face mask of the present invention comprises of at least three layers of hemp fabric with varying weaving techniques; at least one pair of drawstring cords for adjusting the hemp face mask on the wearer&#39;s face; at least one toggle lock with each pair of drawstrings; a small pouch positioned at the upper part of the hemp face mask; and a pair of hemp fabric padding.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present Invention relates to Universal Face Masks and more particularly to Face Masks made from Hemp Fibre. It further relates to Face Masks having multiple layers of Fibres for filtration of the Air Pollutants and which can be made for use by the Humans as well as designed to be worn by Animals especially dogs and horses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Face Mask has long been considered indispensable in the spread of infection besides preventing airborne infections by absorbing droplets, when someone coughs, talks or sneezes. Thus, Face Masks with ability to eliminate cross-contamination, can be a pivotal element in infection control strategy of a society.

In recent years, the emergence of deadly Viruses with contagion properties are spelling havoc in our societies, resulting in severe straining of the Healthcare Systems as also of the economies. Surging morbidity rates by potentially dangerous Viruses as likes of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and Avian Influenza, Ebola, H1N1 and the recent COVID 19 are dooming our future and putting our Civilization to the brink of destruction. The earlier developed Masks, suffered from the problem of secondary infection on account of Viruses adhering to the used Mask and contaminating hands during disposal/changing. Therefore, a Mask is of little use in preventing infection. Efforts to take care of the deficiency led to new developments thereby inspiring Inventors/Community Health Specialists to relook at developing Masks that can control the spread of Viruses in highly effective and Eco-Friendly manner. A number of Masks have been developed in line with complete avoidance of secondary Infections.

PRIOR ART

CN101946990A titled, “Nano silver selenium negative ion anti-bacterial Face Mask for controlling H1N1 influenza” relates to a nano silver selenium negative ion anti-bacterial Face Mask for controlling H1N1 influenza, belonging to the technical field of the production of health textile engineering fabrics Face Masks. At present, the H1N1 influenza globally grinds on, dire threats are brought for the life and the health of Human Beings, once the H1N1 influenza largely grinds on within the Globe, a plenty of Human lives can be captured possibly, and the death toll even exceeds any one World War. The H1N1 influenza is caused by an influenza virus; test researches shows that no microorganism can not be killed by silver within 6 min., thus the silver is a known antibacterial agent capable of killing all bacteria and Viruses. Selenium, germanium and honey serial products capable of enhancing the Human immunity, and nano mixed powder of medical stone, tourmaline and traditional Chinese medicine formations are added into fiber fabrics of a spinning solution to prepare the nano silver selenium negative ion anti-bacterial Face Mask for controlling H1N1 influenza which can achieve the purpose of no treatment of diseased patients but preventive treatment of diseases, wherein the nano mixed powder is capable of releasing trace elements and negative ions.

US20160113336A1 titled, “Face Mask” discusses a mask that has a mask body and a pair of ear straps. The mask body includes an outer layer sheet and an intermediate layer sheet. The outer layer sheet is formed of hydrophobic fibers. The intermediate layer sheet is laid on the outer layer sheet so as to be located on a wearer's side of the outer layer sheet when the mask is worn. The intermediate layer sheet includes a first fiber layer which is formed of polyolefin fibers containing an inorganic antimicrobial agent and a second fiber layer which is formed of polyolefin fibers and has a larger fiber diameter than the first fiber layer. The fiber diameter of the first fiber layer is within a range of 0.5 to 2.8 μm and the ratio of a particle diameter of the inorganic antimicrobial agent with respect to the fiber diameter is within the range of 0.1 to 6.0.

WO2009026725A1 titled, “Antimicrobial compositions and fibres incorporating the same” defines an antimicrobial composition comprising (a) at least two antimicrobial agents having different antimicrobial mechanisms of action and being present in amounts that together provide a synergistic antimicrobial effect or (b) an antimicrobial agent and a surface modifying agent, an antimicrobial masterbatch comprising antimicrobial composition (a) or (b) and a polymer carrier, an antimicrobial fibre composition comprising the antimicrobial masterbatch and a fibre substrate, an antimicrobial fibre comprising a fibre body or a fibre surface having the antimicrobial fibre composition, and a process for producing antimicrobial fibres.

EP2969040A1 titled, “A facemask having one or more nano fiber layers” talk of facemasks and methods utilizing nano fibers. The facemask and methods provided reduce pressure drop and enhance filtration of airborne particles. In one embodiment there is a facemask, comprising: an inner layer comprising nonwoven fiber material configured to contact a wearer's nose and mouth; a middle layer disposed on the inner layer and comprising a nanofiber material; an outer layer disposed on the middle layer and comprising nonwoven fiber material, the facemask having upper and lower edges and at least one pleat configured to fit over a chin of the wearer when unfolded, the at least one pleat configured for folding and unfolding the facemask such that when folded the facemask is configured to assume a generally flat storage configuration and when unfolded the facemask is configured to cover at least the nose and mouth of the wearer.

Whereas, in all the prior arts specified, novel methods to take care of secondary infection using advanced fabrics and chemicals in masks are specified, but usage of artificial fabrics/chemicals entails limit to their usage. In such a scenario, use of a material that is natural as well as having appropriate properties to prevent secondary infection is considered more trustworthy. The present invention is an effort, in that direction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention is to provide a Face Mask for Humans made of Hemp Fibre.

A further aspect of the invention is to provide a Face Mask with at least 3 layers.

A still further aspect of the invention is to provide a Mask which is reusable and washable without damage or change in shape.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide a Face Mask which is Biodegradable.

A still further aspect of the present invention is to provide a Face Mask which fits not only snugly but also comfortably against the sides of the face.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide a Face Mask which allows breathing without restriction.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide a Face Mask which has natural antibacterial properties and no additional chemical antibacterial applications is required on the Face Mask.

A still another aspect of the invention is to provide a Face Mask which is adapted to fit over the nose, mouth and chin of the wearer and to conform at its edges reasonably closely to the face and neck of the wearer.

In one aspect, the invention, is directed to a Face Mask comprising an outer layer, a second layer, a third layer and an inner layer.

In an aspect of the invention, the outer most layer, filters out the heavy particles in the Atmosphere. This layer is made of Hemp Fibre that is woven into a semi-coarse Hemp Fabric.

In another aspect of the invention, the outer layer may be woven into many different types of patterns, like square or pinwheel designs and may also include one or more images of flowers, animals and the like, any custom designs like animal faces, fish faces or cartoon characters giving the Face Mask a fashionable twist, thereby encouraging the Mass to wear Face Masks voluntarily for their protection and may also include on the outer layer the Border Patrol, Law Enforcement, Fire Department, Paramedics or other Government Emblems embroidered onto the outer layer of the Hemp Face Mask, to allow the Mass to recognize who are the Masked Government Officials during Emergency crisis.

In still another aspect of the invention, the second layer may be of thick Hemp Fibre Fabric which may be used for absorbing water for better filtration or for keeping the face warm in cold weather when the Hemp Face Mask is dry.

In another aspect of the third layer of the Hemp Face Mask may be of dense and a durable fabric Hemp Fabric which is, made from a double strand of long-fibre Hemp which is wet-spun yarn, woven in directions, causing the Hemp canvas fabric to become the densest.

In still another aspect of the invention, the fourth layer which is the innermost layer and touches the skin of the wearer may be made either from 100% Hemp Fibre, or Hemp and Silk fibre or 100% Silk.

In further aspects of the invention, the Hemp Face Mask can have more Hemp Fabric layers added on or fewer fabric layers by removing some layers, depending on the environment the Hemp Face Mask is to be used for.

In a still further aspect of the invention, the four layers of fabric of the Hemp Face Mask are attached with each other by means of sowing.

In further aspects of the invention, a pocket is sewn onto on to the inner layer of the Hemp Face Mask which allows to store items while wearing the Hemp Face Mask, or to tuck the other side of the Hemp Mask inside the pocket.

In some aspects of the invention, two pairs of drawstrings namely are provided with the body of the Mask which are pulled up together and locked together using locking means or the use of a Slipknot to fit the Hemp Face Mask on the head tightly.

In another aspect of the present invention, the drawstrings are braided from natural Hemp Fibre; wet-spun Hemp yarns and features a hollow core. These drawstrings are soft and flexible and perfect for the use with the Hemp Face Mask.

In some other aspects of the invention, the drawstrings may be a one piece Hemp drawstring braided from natural Hemp Fibre with wet-spun Hemp yarns featuring a hollow core, which are pulled up and locked using locking means, to fit the Hemp Face Mask on the head tightly.

In a still further aspect of the invention, a Hemp Fabric padding may be provided for supporting the Hemp drawstrings on the head and neck of the wearer while protecting the head, hair and neck of the wearer from rubbing of the drawstrings.

In still further aspects of the invention, the Hemp Face Masks may be designed to be worn by the animals especially dogs and horses which prevents insects from entering the nose of the animals and also helps in, filtration of particulate matter as well as from other dog bites apart from keeping the animal's face warm during winters.

These and other embodiments of the subject invention will readily occur to those of skill in the art in light of the disclosure herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear view of an exemplary Hemp Face Mask described herein.

FIG. 2A is a side view of the Mask of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of the four layers of Hemp Fabric utilized in the making of the Mask.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention depicting Face Masks for animals.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

10 Left hand side of the Face Mask 20 Left hand side of the Face Mask 30 Fabric Stitch 40 Double Stitch and a Double Fold 50 Second Sew of the Hemp Fabric 60 Pocket 70 Pouch 80 Spring 90 Holes 100 Hemp Fabric Padding for the head region 110 Hemp Fabric Padding for the neck region 120, 130 parts of Hemp Drawstring to be wound around the head 140, 150 parts of Hemp drawstring to be wound around the neck 125 One Piece Hemp Drawstring for the head 135 One Piece Hemp Drawstring for the neck 145 Stitching that Holds 125, 130, 135, 140 with the Face Mask 155 Stitching Cover 160 Bottom of a Toggle Lock 170 part of toggle lock 180 Design, Logo to be stitched 190 First Layer of the Hemp Face Mask 200 Second layer 210 third layer 220 Fourth layer 230 Front face of the Hemp Animal Face Mask 240 Hemp Drawstring Cord for winding over the Center of the Head of the animal face 250 Hemp Drawstring Cord that for tying onto the Bottom of the Collar of the animal face 125, 135 drawstrings to be cut and Toggle Locks removed or additional added.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Face Masks as described herein find use in various indications, including in health care, surgery, dental applications, research labs, clean rooms, construction sites, air travel, veterinarian applications, cosmetology, environmental settings and the like. Methods of making and using these Masks also form aspects of this invention.

The recent spread of COVID 19, has initiated the use of Face Masks for each and every person to prevent the spread of the virus. In such a scenario, the use of cloth Face Masks is an alternative, provided, according to FDA, the following points are taken into consideration.

The Mask must cover the nose and below the chin;

It must fit not only snugly but also comfortably against the side of the face;

It must be secured with ties or ear loops;

It must include multiple layers of fabric;

It must allow for breathing without restriction; and

It must be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change in shape.

The above properties can be found with cotton fabric and cotton Face Masks and are available in the market easily. However, all these properties are more evident in Face Masks made from Hemp Fabric as well. Hemp Fabric is a type of textile that is made using fibres from the stalks of the Cannabis sativa Plant which has been recognized as a source of extraordinarily tensile and durable textile fibres.

The stalks of the Hemp plant consist of two layers: The outer layer is formed from rope-like bast fibers, and the inner layer consists of a woody pith. For textile purposes only the outer layer of the Cannabis sativa stalk is used. Once the outer layer of bast fibers is stripped from the Hemp plant, it can be processed and made into rope or yarn. Hemp rope is strong and remains renowned as an excellent material for clothing that surpasses cotton and synthetic textiles by most metrics.

Once Hemp is processed into fabric, it has a similar texture to cotton, but it also feels somewhat like canvas. Hemp Fabric is not susceptible to shrinkage, and it is highly resistant to pilling. Since fibres from this plant are long and sturdy, hence Hemp Fabric is not only very soft, but it is also highly durable.

Since Hemp is a lightweight fabric, it is highly breathable, and it also effectively facilitates the passage of moisture from the skin to the atmosphere, and is, therefore ideal for hot climates. It is easy to dye this type of fabric, and it is highly resistant to mould, mildew, and potentially harmful microbes.

Hemp Fabric softens with each washing, and its fibers don't degrade even after dozens of washings. Further, Hemp can be blended with cotton as well as blended with Silk. Blending Hemp with other fabrics can make this textile softer while remaining durable.

The above qualities of Hemp Fibre, makes it ideal for making Face Masks.

The present invention, in view of the above properties of Hemp Fibre, utilizes it for making of Masks.

The terms “hold,” “join,” “secure,” “attach” and derivatives and synonyms thereof refer to any affixing of such structure(s) of the present invention to another structure(s) and may be accomplished by any of several conventional methods. Thus, drawstrings may be secured by use of sewing, by tying or any other suitable mechanism that holds the Mask in place. By way of example and not limitation, these methods include stitching, gluing, heat sealing etc.

First, the general configuration of a Mask for Humans of the first embodiment will be described. The Mask of the first embodiment includes a Mask Body 1 having a substantially oval shape and symmetrically and longitudinally divided into two halves—the left and the right, the left side of the Hemp Mask is denoted by 10 and the right side by 20.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are the rear and side view depictions, respectively, of an exemplary Hemp Fabric Face Mask according to the present invention. The Mask, is a substantially oval shaped woven Hemp Fabric material, comprising of four layers of Hemp Fabric, depicted in FIGS. 3 as 190, 200, 210 and 220.

The first layer 190 or the outer most layer, visible to the public eye filters out the heavy particles in the atmosphere. This first layer is made of Hemp Fibre that is woven into a semi-coarse Hemp Fabric. In some embodiments of the invention, the first layer of the Hemp Mask 190 the Hemp Fibre may be woven into many different types of patterns, like square or pinwheel designs. In some other embodiments, the Mask may also include one or more images of flowers, animals and the like, any custom designs like animal faces, fish faces or cartoon characters. This allows the Face Mask of the wearer to stand out in public giving the Face Mask a fashionable twist, thereby encouraging the mass to wear Face Masks voluntarily for their protection, but also the embroidered Face Mask allows the Mass to recognize Masked Government Officials' Emblems during an Emergency crisis.

The second layer 200 is a thick Hemp Fibre fabric which may be used for absorbing water for better filtration or for keeping the face warm in cold weather when the Hemp Face Mask is dry.

The third layer 210 of the Hemp Face Mask comprises of Hemp Fabric which is dense and a durable fabric, made from a double strand of long-fibre Hemp which is wet-spun yarn, woven in directions, causing the Hemp canvas fabric to become the densest. Since, the plied Hemp yarns are both warp and weft, the Hemp Fabric of the third layer is very thick. The third layer 210 of the Hemp Face Mask filters out air particles which the outer layer 190 and second layer 200 are unable to filtrate. Since the Hemp canvas fabric of the third layer 210 becomes denser when wet, it is more adept to filter out air particles like coal dust.

The fourth layer 220 is the innermost layer which touches the skin of the wearer. The innermost layer 220 can either be made from 100% Hemp Fibre, or Hemp and Silk fibre or 100% Silk.

In some embodiments the Hemp Face Mask can have more Hemp Fabric layers added on or fewer fabric layers by removing some layers, depending on the environment the Hemp Face Mask is to be used for.

The four layers of fabric 190, 200, 210 and 220 are attached with each other by means of sowing. The various rounds of stitches are denoted by numerals 30, 40 and 50 in FIG. 1. 30 is the fabric stitch which holds the four layers of the Hemp Fabrics 190, 200, 210, 220 together. While stitching the ends of the Hemp Fabric will be rolled once, then rolled and again and sown together as one piece. As described above the main body of the Hemp Face Mask is symmetrically divided into two parts left 10 and right 20. During stitching these two parts 10 and 20 respectively are also stitched as described and sown together as one piece. This double fold and stitch prevents the Hemp Fabric from shredding apart. 40 thereby denotes the double stitch and double fold of the sewing of left 10 and right 20, the two parts of the Face Mask. Then again stitch and fabric is rolled once, and or then rolled twice. Then sown again denoted by 50 in FIG. 1. This method prevents the first sown threads that allow materials in the atmosphere to pass through the first sew of the Hemp Fabric and also this method helps the Face Mask to keep it structure over the nose and mouth helping to prevent the nose and mouth from rubbing onto the Face Mask.

A pocket 60 is sewn onto on to the inner 190 layer of the Hemp Face Mask on the left side 10 of the Mask. The pocket 60 allows to store items while wearing the Hemp Face Mask, or to tuck the other side of the Hemp Mask inside the pocket 60.

A small pouch 70 is sown at the upper part of the oval Face Mask which coincides with the bridge of the nose, for holding a small spring 80. The small spring 80, is heated up in the center and bent into a V-Shape for using as a nose support and also helps in giving shape and form to the Hemp Face Mask around the bridge of the nose, for better protection from the materials and particles in the atmosphere to enter into the Hemp Face Mask, as well as the small pouch 70 and small spring 80 helps support Eye Glasses on the nose of the Hemp Face Mask.

In some embodiments, a logo, design, name or badge 180 can be sown into the Hemp Face Mask pocket 60.

In an embodiment of the present invention, two pairs of drawstrings namely 120, 130 and 140, 150 (corresponding to members used when the Mask is worn) are provided with the body of the Mask. Referring to FIG. 1, drawstring 120 is fitted at the top left hand side of the Hemp Face Mask and drawstring 130 is sown at the top right hand side of the Hemp Face Mask. The drawstrings 120 and 130 are pulled up together and locked together using locking means or the use of a Slipknot, to fit the Hemp Face Mask, on the head tightly.

Similarly the drawstrings 140 and 150 are sown and fitted at the bottom right hand side of the Hemp Face Mask and bottom left hand side of the Hemp Face Mask respectively and 140 and 150 are pulled up together and locked together using locking means or the use of a Slipknot, to fit the Hemp Face Mask, on the neck tightly.

These drawstrings are braided from natural Hemp Fibre; wet-spun Hemp yarns and features a hollow core. These drawstrings are soft and flexible and perfect for the use with the Hemp Face Mask.

Generally, the locking means is a toggle lock comprising the bottom of the toggle lock 160 housing a spring for the knob 170 for pushing down to unlock the toggle for adjusting 130 and 140 and in place, along with the other toggle lock for 140 and 150 to go through respectively the locking means is used to adjust the Hemp drawstring cord to allow them properly to be fitted on the neck and the top of the head respectively.

In another embodiment, a pair of drawstrings can be provided instead of two pairs. Referring to FIG. 2, a one piece Hemp drawstring 125 braided from natural Hemp Fibre with wet-spun Hemp yarns featuring a hollow core. The draw-string is soft and flexible and perfect for the use for the Hemp Face Mask and is positioned, near the upper part of the Hemp Face Mask and locked together using locking means comprising the toggle lock 160 and 170, to fit the Hemp Face Mask, on the head tightly.

Similarly, another one piece Hemp drawstring 135 also braided from natural Hemp Fibre with wet-spun Hemp yarns featuring a hollow core. The draw-string is soft and flexible and perfect for the use for the Hemp Face Mask and is positioned, near the lower part of the Hemp Face Mask and locked together using locking means comprising the toggle lock 160 and 170, to fit the Hemp Face Mask, on the neck tightly.

A Hemp Fabric padding 100 supports the Hemp drawstrings 130 and 120 on the head of the wearer and also protects the head and hair from rubbing of 160 and 170 against the head of the wearer.

Similarly another Hemp Fabric padding 110 supports the Hemp drawstrings 140 and 150 on the neck of the wearer and also protects the neck from rubbing of 160 and 170 against the neck of the wearer.

The Hemp Fabric padding 100 is provided with a pair of holes 90, 90′ for allowing the drawstrings 130 and 120 to pass through which gets adjusted with the fastening means to be snugly fitted over the head. Similarly the Hemp Fabric padding 110 is provided with a pair of holes 95, 95′ for allowing the drawstrings 140 and 150 to pass through which gets adjusted with the fastening means to be snugly fitted over the neck region of the wearer.

In an embodiment of the present invention the Hemp Fabric drawstrings is fastened with the body of the Mask near the edge by sewing it with the layer of fibres. The sowing is done either with the top layer 190 or with the inner most layer of the Hemp Fabric 220 or in between two fabric layers 200 and 210.

In the event that the drawstrings are sown with the innermost layer of 190, a small fabric 155 with stitching 145 is sown over the stitched drawstrings 125, 135, 130, 120, 140 and 150 mainly for providing a smooth cover against the rubbing of the drawstrings with the facial skin of the wearer and additionally to provide aesthetic covering to the sown drawstrings.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the Hemp Face Masks can be designed to be worn by the animals especially dogs and horses. The Hemp Mask for animals not only prevents insects from entering the nose of the animals but also helps in filtration of particulate matter as well as from other dog bites apart from keeping the animal's face warm during winters.

The animal Mask of the embodiment is depicted in FIG. 4 which is cuboidal in shape and has five faces. The Hemp drawstring cord 240 is positioned over the centre of the head for tying to the collar or the horse bridal for securing the Hemp Face Mask. Whereas the Hemp drawstring cord 250 is used for tying onto the bottom of the collar of horse bridal to secure the Hemp Face Mask in place. 230 depict the frontal face of the Hemp animal Face Mask. The parts of the toggle locks 160, 170 functions for tightening the cords of the animal Face Mask with the animal face. The cords 125, 135 provided, can be cut for either removing the toggle locks or for adding more toggle locks for adjusting and securing the animal Face Mask on the animal's face.

The Hemp Face Mask for animals are made of the same layers of fibres and sown in the same as is described for the Human Face Masks.

While the invention has been described with respect to certain specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is intended, therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. Hemp face mask for filtering air particulate matter comprising: a) at least three layers of hemp fabric with varying weaving techniques; b) at least one pair of drawstring cords for adjusting the hemp face mask on the wearer's face; c) at least one toggle lock with each pair of drawstrings; d) a small pouch positioned at the upper part of the hemp face mask; e) a pair of hemp fabric padding.
 2. The hemp face mask of claim 1, wherein the said drawstring cords may be formed of a one piece hemp drawstring braided from natural hemp fibre with wet-spun hemp yarns featuring a hollow core.
 3. The hemp face mask of claim 1, wherein the said small pouch retains a small heated ‘V’ shaped spring serving as a nose support.
 4. The hemp face mask of claim 1, wherein the drawstrings are sewn on the outer most layer of the hemp face mask fabric.
 5. The hemp face of claim 1, wherein the drawstrings are sewn on the inner most layer of the hemp face mask fabric.
 6. The hemp face of claim 1, wherein the drawstrings are sewn in-between layers of the of the hemp face mask fabric.
 7. A multiple layered hemp face mask for filtering air particulate matter comprising: a) an outermost layer made of hemp fibre woven into a semi-coarse hemp fabric; b) a second layer of thick hemp fibre fabric for absorbing water for better filtration and for keeping the face warm in cold weather; c) the third layer of dense and durable fabric, made from a double stranded long-fibre hemp and wet-spun yarn, woven in directions; and d) an innermost layer which touches the skin of the wearer made from 100% hemp fibre, or hemp and silk fibre or 100% silk.
 8. A multiple layered hemp face mask of claim 7, wherein the various layers of the mask are sewn together.
 9. A multiple layered hemp face mask of claim 7, wherein the hemp fibre of said outer most layer of the hemp mask may be woven into many different types of patterns, like square or pinwheel designs.
 10. A multiple layered cuboidal shaped hemp facemask for animals comprising five faces and a pair of hemp drawstring cord with toggle locks. 